Rain is a hazard that all drivers contend with at some point or another. Toyota of Dothan wants to make sure that you are as safe as possible when navigating through rainy conditions. Rain is one of the leading causes of accident each year because people fail to realize that this change in conditions can be a hazard. Rain is dangerous due to both decreased visibility and change in road surface that can cause slippery conditions and alter the ability of how your tires maintain traction on the surface. Following some of these tips will help in ensuring your safety as you navigate through wet weather.
- Be particularly careful when rain is first beginning. Oil and grease create buildup on the road surface, when mixed with water it can become slippery. After a period of steady rainfall, this residue dissipates.
- Slow down when driving and allow for additional time to reach your destination. This is a general rule of thumb in any hazardous driving condition.
- By braking early, you reduce the likelihood of skidding and slipping on the wet road surface.
- Stay as close to the center line of the road as possible. Water pools on the outside edge of the road and driving in the center will help in avoiding any deep standing puddles that may be present.
- Avoid using your cruise control. If you car hydroplanes or hits a pool of water, the cruise control may actually serve to accelerate your car and increase your likelihood of losing control of your vehicle.
- Give not only yourself, but also other vehicles more room to maneuver. This is especially important in the case of trucks and buses. This extra space allows them more freedom to move and avoid potentially dangerous hazards. It also allows you the room to maneuver around them if necessary.
- Make sure that if conditions warrant your wipers to be on, that your headlights are also on. This helps increase your visibility and makes sure that other drivers are also able to see you.
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The 2013 Toyota Highlander is one of the first hybrid SUV vehicles and it certainly does not disappoint. Toyota of Dothan reviews some of the impressive highlights of this innovative car that captures the market by offering both fuel economy and maintaining all of the benefits of a comfortable SUV.
The Highlander Hybrid is a comparable alternative to a traditional minivan with the appearance of a high end SUV. It is both comfortable and spacious with a sliding and reclining second row seat and third row for extra passenger room. Entertainment features are abundant with a six speaker sound system with CD player and satellite radio. Further features include Bluetooth and audio connectivity as well as a user friendly navigation system with Toyota Entune app integration.
The Highlander Hybrid is much more fuel efficient than any traditional crossover vehicle or SUV. It gets an estimated 28 mpg, certainly impressive for a vehicle of its stature. It features a complex 3.5 liter V6 engine and electric motor. The engines and motor can work either alone or together depending on the driving situation. Combined they produce 280 hp.
Highlander Hybrids have options and packages that include a leather premium package and a Limited trim. The leather premium package features heated front seats, leather upholstery and sunroof. The Limited adds a power liftgate, keyless ignition and entry, tri-zone climate control and a premium sound system with a rear seat entertainment system available as an additional option.
As always with any Toyota vehicle, the Highlander is equipped with all of the latest safety technologies and features to make sure that you not only have an efficient and comfortable ride but that it is as safe as possible.
Toyota has consistently placed passenger safety as a top priority in designing its vehicles and the 2014 Toyota RAV4 is the perfect example of this commitment. Toyota of Dothan is impressed with the technology and thought that has been put into the integrated safety features of this long standing crossover vehicle.
Standard on the RAV4, like every Toyota is the Star Safety System, a suite of advanced safety features that include enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brake system, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and Smart Stop Technology. The RAV4 also comes equipped with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) to help keep children safe and secure when riding in the backseat.
Further equipment in the form of eight standard airbags include a driver and front passenger advanced airbag system, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, front passenger seat-cushion airbag and front and second row curtain airbags.
Available in the new 2014 models, the RAV4 Limited features blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The blind spot monitor helps to detect vehicles that may be riding in your blind spot and will warn you will a visual warning light. The rear cross-traffic alert works in the same manner providing both audible and visual alerts to warn you of any approaching vehicle as you are backing up. Further safety options are available with a lane departure alert and automatic high beams. The lane departure alert serves as a warning system when it detects an unsignaled lane departure while the auto high beams will activate high beams in certain low light situations and switch back to low when conditions change.
These systems and equipment ensure that all passengers in the RAV4 are as safe as possible while enjoying the comfortable ride in the 2014 Toyota RAV4.
The Toyota Tundra has built a reputation on being one of the toughest full size pickups on the market. The 2014 Toyota Tundra, at Toyota of Dothan, has made changes that only serve to further this reputation while pleasing its long time customers and gaining a myriad of new ones.
Ride Quality: Toyota made ride quality a priority in designing this year’s model, with amazing results. With or without a load in back this truck smoothly takes bumps and ruts without any problem.
Interior: Toyota completely re-designed the dashboard of the 2014 Tundra for easier and more user friendly controls. All knobs and buttons are centrally located close to the driver and control new features such as Bluetooth connectivity and a rearview camera.
Off-Road Ability: This year there has been great emphasis on the Tundra’s TRD Off Road package. This package has always been impressive but boasts upgrades for 2014 that include skid plates, heavy duty Bilstein shocks and an off-road tuned suspension. These upgrades have made the Tundra one of the best factory off road vehicles available.
1794 Edition: This trim level of the Tundra has upped the ante for Toyota. The 1794 Edition gives the Tundra a more luxury feel with 20 inch wheels, a special grille and saddle-brown leather upholstery. This was one more incredible upgrade to make the Tundra even more appealing to all who drive or ride in it.
Exterior Styling: The 2014 Tundra has successfully combined a modern, intimidating look with classic features. Its styling is definitively different this year and the changes have added to the overall appeal. It has maintained its classic Tundra look while evolving to be appealing to the modern market.
Tires hold a crucial function in your vehicle; they separate your vehicle from the hard road surface. Tire malfunctions can cause serious injury and devastating accidents. Even given the obvious importance of tires, many fail to ensure that their tires are consistently in optimal condition. Toyota of Dothan points out some key areas to be aware of regarding tire safety.
Be particularly wary as tires age. The age of the tire can greatly affect its ability to perform ideally. As a tire sits, it can develop cracks in the rubber that are not always visible. Small cracks may not appear to be a cause for concern but they are certainly warning signs that the quality of your tire has been compromised. They can lead to tread separation and tire failure. Heat is another catalyst that can cause this problem to progress even more quickly. You can avoid the risks of cracking, aging tires and other tire safety hazards by following some of these tips:
- Always purchase new tires. Don’t be afraid to inquire how long a tire has been sitting on the shelf or the date it was manufactured.
- Always maintain regular maintenance of your tires and ensure that you periodically replace your spare tire. Spare tires sit in the heat of a trunk and are typically not in the best of condition. The worst case scenario is to have a tire emergency only to find your spare is not in good enough condition to use.
Maintain tire maintenance, replacement and inflation levels and you will greatly decrease your likelihood of experiencing a tire emergency.
Toyota of Dothan Offers Nighttime Driving Tips
It’s been proven that accident rates are three times higher at night than during the day. Many fail to realize the special precautions that can be takes to decrease many of the risks associated with driving at night. Toyota of Dothan wants to make sure that you are as safe as possible when navigating the nighttime roads.
Lack of visibility is an obvious factor when driving at night. This lack of visibility slows reaction time and requires more intent driver focus. This, combined with the higher probability of encountering wildlife and drivers under the influence create a higher potentially for a hazardous situation. Following some of these tips can help to reduce your risk.
- Check to make sure that all lights and signals are in proper working order.
- Routinely clean the inside of windshield to reduce glare from oncoming headlights and streetlights.
- Slow down and make sure you are not outdriving the beams of your headlights.
- Remain alert and aware of your surroundings. Don’t forget to look for deer and other wildlife that may be just off the side of the road.
- Just as in rain or snow, make sure you keep adequate distance between your vehicle and others around you.
- Use your low beams if you are facing oncoming traffic or behind another vehicle.
- Focus your eyes on the right side of the road to avoid glare from oncoming traffic.
- Remain aware of your level of fatigue. If you feel tired, it is always best to err on the side of caution and pull over. There is nothing more dangerous than a tired driver or a driver that has fallen asleep behind the wheel.
With gas prices consistently on the rise, Toyota of Dothan has some helpful strategies to relieve some of the stress of this increased expense.
Consider and analyze the habits and ways that you and your family members use your vehicles. Analyzing your typical patterns and routines may help you to discover ways to lower the number of miles that you are putting on your vehicles. Getting a notebook to accurately track your mileage is helpful in determining the impact these miles actually have on your overall budget. A quick trip to the store or on an errand may not seem significant but the miles can certainly add up quickly. Consider possible ways of carpooling or combining trips such as going to the bank at the same time as going to the grocery store to lessen the back and forth. This analysis may make you realize that the gas increase doesn’t impact your budget as much as you had originally thought or it may make you aware of ways you could change some of your driving habits. If you do discover that gas usage is dramatically affecting your financial status, don’t automatically assume you need a newer, more fuel efficient vehicle. It may take longer financially to make up the difference if you choose to switch vehicles.
Sometimes fuel savings can be made simply by changing your style of driving. Calm driving has proven to be much more fuel efficient than aggressive driving. Make sure to keep up with your regular car maintenance as this helps to ensure that your car is running at optimal performance levels of efficiency. Steer clear of devices that claim to be “gas saving”. Changing your style of driving is more likely to be the best alteration to make. These devices rarely make a notable enough difference to offset the cost of the device.
Take advantage of technology and use application or websites that track gas prices in your area. These can be extremely helpful in ensuring you are getting the best possible deal in your area. Don’t, however; drive miles out of your way to get to the station with the cheapest price. You will be spending the money you would have saved in the mileage to drive there.
Toyota of Dothan Has Tips for Senior Drivers
Becoming a senior citizen has its perks. You get to retire, spend time with grandchildren, even receive discounts at places like the movies and restaurants. Unfortunately again has its downside where your body can wear out. This can affect all aspects of your life, including behind the wheel. If you’re a senior and would like to keep yourself sand others safe on the road, take these driving tips from Toyota of Dothan for seniors.
Keep Yourself in Good Shape
Staying active physically is a real advantage to seniors. It will improve flexibility and strength, that helps with everyday action and those done while driving, like turning around to look over your shoulder or turning the steering wheel. Good ways to stay in shape include walking, swimming, stretching and weight training. Always check with your doctor first.
Watch Your Meds
Make sure any medications you are taking are safe for driving. Many can cause drowsiness, dizziness and affect your vision. Ask your doctor and read warning labels before driving while on medications. Also be sure to keep up on any illnesses that are chronic and can have a negative affect behind the wheel. If you have diabetes, low blood sugar can be a big problem.
Keep Up on the Senses
Keep up on getting your senses-eyes, ears- checked regularly by a doctor. These things decline naturally with age, and are necessary for driving. It could be disastrous if you don’t hear oncoming vehicles, a train, or children, as well as se them in your line of vision. If you feel unsure when driving, don’t be too proud to ask for help or to turn in your license.
Are you ready for a new vehicle, but aren’t ready to buy brand new? People often get worried about buying a used car, but it’s not a bad idea if you’re not in the financial position to buy new. If you’re a customer with doubts, Toyota of Dothan is explaining the benefits of buying a used car.
Less Depreciation With a Used Car
Most of a car’s depreciation happens in the first year or so. With that mark being passed, the car will depreciate slower when you buy used. You can still get a quality vehicle without losing a ton of value right away. The warranty will usually transfer over to the used car too.
Price of the Car
A used car will be less expensive than its new model. Of course, you are getting something that has been driven already and worn in. However, you can still find a high-quality vehicle that has been used and save the money that a new car would cost. You should also be paying less for your registration, insurance and taxes on the vehicle.
Thoroughly Inspected Cars
When used vehicles arrive on the lot, they are taken god care of. At least, if you visit a reputable dealer. Once the cars get there, they are thoroughly inspected from bumper to bumper, and if there are any problems, including body or mechanical, they are taken care of. Most of the time you can get a car with low mileage that is only a few years old, and has been certified as a quality used car.
Auto Insurance is one of those necessary evils. Even if you don’t have an accident, you still need to be insured. Don’t get stuck paying high premiums if you don’t have to. Instead, take these tips from Toyota of Dothan on how to save money on auto insurance.
Carpool to Save on Insurance
Most insurance companies offer discounts when you have low mileage. Therefore, it is smart to become part of a carpool of at least three people or more, who take turns driving a shift once a week. Many insurance companies track mileage to determine costs. You can cut up to 75% off your miles and save money on insurance that way.
Do Your Homework
Make sure to factor your insurance cost into the overall cost of your automobile before you chose a car. Don’t assume a smaller compact car is going to be less than an SUV. Companies factor many things into the price of your policy. Some of these factors are average repair costs, price of the car, how often they are stolen, safety records and how much
passengers have sustained injuries in crashes.
Increase Your Deductible
It’s a bit of a risk, because if you get into an accident, you will be paying the higher deductible. But if you are generally a safe driver, increasing your deductible will lower your monthly rate. Do your research first though. If your car is over ten years old, the savings you get may not be that much.
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